NC0004308_Beverly Lyons_20150713

From: Beverly Lyons <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 2:07 PM
To: Rodriguez, Teresa
Subject: Alcoa Cyanide discharge into NC Waters
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
Cyanide released into the environment will shut down the mitochondria of living cells thus halting cellular
respiration in any organism. I am surprised it has not been mandated that Alcoa install a detoxifying system to
prevent this from occurring. You as well as I know how devastating this can be to all of us, a cascade of
events unfold.
I appeal to you now to see that protection of our environment is upheld. Below you will find the system that will
prevent environmental degradation. Until this system can be put in place I strongly ask that you have Alcoa
stop emitting cyanide into Badin Lake and Little Mountain Creek.
Aerating the polluted water liberates HCN from its salts and evaporates it. Aerating water is a simple, nontoxic
way to remove cyanide and reduce its toxic concentration to a tolerable level. To achieve the desired degree of
detoxification, polluted rivers can be aerated by compressing air into water using turbines, windmills, or water
mills. Aeration should take place
• near the site of contamination (but it can be done anywhere along the river),
• away from inhabited areas, and
• under safe conditions, because HCN is released into the air.
Long-term prevention of cyanide pollution can be achieved if windmills and water mills are built in the waterfalls
of rivers in the vicinity of cyanide discharge points. These mills will unquestionably have other practical
purposes and benefits.
I would prefer that my grandchildren have a healthy existence instead of a contaminated one that NCDENR
has allowed.
Thank you for your time,
Beverly Lyons - Past President, North Carolina Science Teachers Association
As John Muir wrote:

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Beverly Lyon
154 Fescue Drive
Bermuda Run, NC 27006
336-830-1040 cell
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